Happiness keeps filling my body—I'm getting closer and closer to ranking up, and that means I'm also closer to breaking this dungeon's core.

I drink a potion to heal my wounds; only four left in case I get hurt again. I focus my mind on the system notifications. I've gained two levels in each skill, which lets me level up Lightning Step, and puts the other two just one level away.

"What a shame…" I didn't gain any skill related to gravity. Since it's a difficult affinity to master, it must take more time to awaken one.

"Lightning Step has reached level fifteen. New evolution paths are now available…"

"Flashing Step, Double Lightning Step, Glacial Step, Electrified Charged Steps."

Four options? With no one to consult, I can only guess based on their names. The first must be the standard evolution. Double Lightning Step probably comes from the double dashes I've been practicing—it's quite practical, letting me move a second time if someone follows my first step.

Glacial Step must be the variation I tried back in Primaver. I remember testing it a few times at Baron Camux's house. I only wanted to compare affinities. It's a good skill, but I feel more comfortable using electricity—faster and more explosive.

As usual, the last option grabs all my attention. It's exactly what I've been practicing with the rabbits these last two days. I overload my feet with mana, then use the skill consecutively. It drains a massive amount of mana, and the range is a bit shorter, but the benefit is being able to move rapidly without recharging each time—I save that single second that could cost my life.

I only take five seconds to decide. The mana cost will go down slightly with the new version, and as it's been lately, I won't lose the "core" of the skill.

"Lightning Step (II) has evolved into Electrified Charged Steps (III)."

What's this small pain in my chest? After acquiring the skill, I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but it disappeared instantly. I wait a few seconds—nothing. "Was it my imagination?"

The sensation of knowing how to use the new skill floods my mind. My body adjusts to it. I now have a pretty good sense of how much mana to use for a given number of steps. I use mana to test it—four steps is ideal.

It takes a little time to channel mana to my feet, but once charged, I shoot forward using all four steps in succession. The distance hasn't changed much compared to my first attempts, but mana and charging time are slightly reduced.

Should I test the original Lightning Step? When I use it, I notice no change. That's good—it hasn't improved, but I haven't lost my grip on how to use it. The knowledge is still embedded in me from having used it thousands of times.

"Only one more level to go for my other two skills." I clench my fists with excitement and anticipation. My advance to the Emerald Rank could happen in just a few days.

I prepare my dinner, using the last of the rice in my storage bracelet and combining it with the cooked fish. Once I've eaten, exhaustion overtakes me. My body, mind, and Core are fatigued. As I lie down, I drift off quickly.

Did I sleep for eight hours? It's been a while since I've slept that long without waking up from exhaustion. I eat something and head to the lake to wash my face, teeth, and body.

What should I do today? I want to focus only on using my two remaining skills. The best way is to fight multiple enemies while they're inside the gravity field. That way, my mind is forced to its limit by being surrounded, and my pseudo-domain also benefits.

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"Maki, I suggest you fight the golems." The voice echoes in my head. It's been almost four days. "They're the other grade-two monsters in this dungeon. Slower than the Hobgoblins, and even slower with your gravity. They always move in large groups." That's the perfect idea—just the kind of training I need.

"The hard part will be piercing their defense and handling their massive strength. You probably won't die from a single hit... hopefully." Her confidence drops with each word.

With my current skill set, I should be able to dodge every blow. Worst case, I have my fortified construct to save my life. If I use less gravity, I can extend the skill duration. The effect will be weaker, but for golems, that might be enough.

"Thank you. Can you guide me or at least point me in the right direction?" She gives me directions and tells me what areas to cross. It'll take me about half a day at a steady pace.

On the way, I find a beautiful small waterfall near the end of the forest. I cross into an area that feels like a miniature desert and keep walking. Everything feels so real—like a tiny world of its own. After the desert, I arrive at a place that's a mix between a jungle and a forest.

I see some snake-like monsters in the desert—rank one. And here, some wild boar-like creatures. I avoid all of them as much as possible until I reach a cave near the golem spawn zone. The voice told me about this cave—apparently, some plants surrounding it release a smell that repels monsters.

Now settled in the cave, I take a break. I don't have to worry about food or water for a few days. After that, I'll go to the small river I saw earlier—I can get fish and clean water there.

"This time it's seven..." I'm on a huge mountain teeming with golems. Most groups are ten to twelve, but this one's only seven. I prepare my gravity spell, expanding its radius to ten meters. The downside is weaker pull. I test it for 30 seconds to check mana usage. "I can last almost ten minutes and only use 60% of my mana. Perfect!"

I charge straight at the golems without much thought. As they sense me, they charge in my direction. The reduced speed from gravity is perfect. I can move between the seven of them at my limit—my concentration must be total. It's the ideal training scenario for the skills I want to improve.

I repeat the cycle again and again. After retreating with my charged steps, I wait for my mana to refill and return. I can feel I'm close to leveling up—I only need a little more, and both skills will be ready.

The first to reach level fifteen is Glacial Focus, followed shortly by my pseudo-domain. Finally—finally—I can evolve them. "Shit!" I was almost hit, but luckily I had my charged steps ready and dodged in time. I use the remaining three to retreat further and run at full speed back to the cave.

And then, the moment arrives—

"Glacial Focus (II) has reached level fifteen. New evolution paths are now available…"

"Pseudo-Domain (II) has reached level fifteen. New evolution paths are now available…"

"No evolution variants unlocked. Do you wish to evolve them now?"

No variants unlocked? What's that about? Thinking it through, I realize something—these two skills have been doing the same thing the whole time. No changes, no experiments—just steady growth.

I accept the evolution prompt for both. For now, I don't want any variants. According to my grandmother, and from what little I know, rank III is much harder to level up. I'll have time to develop variations later.

"Glacial Focus (II) has evolved into Frozen Core (III)."

"Pseudo-Domain (II) has evolved into Domain (III)."

"I did it... finally. All my skills are now rank III." I leap to my feet and shout with joy, clenching my fists in celebration.

But the joy doesn't last. A sudden, intense pain grips my chest. I activate Frozen Core instantly—the pain doesn't fade, but my pain tolerance rises. It's enough to let me think.

What's happening? Why does my chest hurt this much? Wait… it's not external—it's internal. It's my Core! What did I do? I clutch my chest in panic. What do I do now? In this state, I can't fight. It's hard enough to think, let alone move.

"The thing I feared most has happened." The voice enters my mind. She's someone who's lived for decades. I say nothing—just wait.

"Your Core awakened too young, Maki. It was premature. Combine that with the absurd amount of mana in your body—like three or four people—and the fact you took six skills to rank III without evolving… it was too much." What? I'm overloading—and my Core can't take it?

"Is there anything I can do? Can you help me?" She's the only one in this place who might be able to help. Without her, I don't know what will happen to me.

"Normally, people don't bring more than four skills to rank III before evolving." She pauses before continuing. "Yes. I can help you." Another pause. "Would you be willing to make a pact with me?" Her words leave me confused.

"Yes. I'll accept any conditions." I don't have time to think. I can't see my Core, but I can feel it—the pillars are cracking, and the fractures are spreading. If they collapse… I'll die. Right now, I'm placing my life in her hands.

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